Sir Alex Ferguson was known for his passion, discipline, and high expectations as Manchester United’s legendary manager. However, even the best make decisions that don’t always go as planned. Paul Scholes recently shared a story that highlights one such moment—when Ferguson’s frustration led to a costly decision that backfired within just 15 minutes.
The Frustration with Owen Hargreaves
Speaking about former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, Scholes recalled the struggles Ferguson faced in trying to get the injury-prone star back on the pitch. Hargreaves, a talented yet unlucky player, suffered multiple setbacks during his time at Old Trafford, which tested Ferguson’s patience.
Scholes revealed:
🗣️ “I remember, we had Owen Hargreaves who was unfortunately injured a lot, and the manager became frustrated because we couldn’t get him back. I remember one game we were playing Arsenal at home, Owen had been out for some time and was nearly back, and he went out for the warmup and came in feeling his hamstring and you could just see the anger and frustration in the manager’s face.”
Ferguson’s Bold Call – and the Consequences
Ferguson’s frustration reached a breaking point when Hargreaves reported discomfort in his hamstring during warmups before a crucial match against Arsenal. Instead of proceeding with caution, the legendary manager made a bold and risky call.
🗣️ “He said, ‘You’re playing,’ and that was it.”
It was a decision driven by the manager’s desire to see Hargreaves back in action—but it didn’t go according to plan. Within just 15 minutes, disaster struck.
🗣️ “It didn’t end well – within 15 minutes, Owen had to come off and was out for a long time after that.”
A Costly Gamble
Hargreaves’ injury problems ultimately limited his impact at Manchester United, and this moment against Arsenal was a clear example of the unfortunate reality he faced. Ferguson’s determination to have him back on the field may have stemmed from frustration, but it turned out to be a costly gamble.
This story is a reminder of the challenges managers face when dealing with injury-prone players. Even the greatest minds in football can make decisions that, in hindsight, might not have been the best.
What are your thoughts on Ferguson’s decision? Should he have taken a more cautious approach, or was he right to push Hargreaves to play? Let us know in the comments!
